In the Press

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Connecting Spaces and Cultures

2025

FX’s Bar & Leisure Focus

Lee Roberts, Creative Director at Zebra, explains how the studio approaches bar and leisure design - from early client dialogue to balancing guest experience with operational needs across diverse global contexts...
2025

Hotelier & Hospitality Design features the new Zebra office

The move is a result of Zebra’s continued success and expansion, signifying their commitment to further growth in the UK market, with a focus on London.
2025

Lee Roberts, for Design Week

Lee Roberts is creative director of Zebra Projects, an interior design and architecture firm with offices in London, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Hong Kong. Clients include Victoria’s Secret, Shake Shack and Whittard of Chelsea.
2025

Commercial Interior Design: Inside the District

Zebra led the design transformation of the iconic Gold Souk at Dubai Mall, now named 'The District', delivering a comprehensive reinvention of 6,000 square metres of prime retail space. Far beyond a cosmetic update, this was a bold reimagination rooted in cultural storytelling...
2026

Passenger Terminal Today features the Aspire Executive Lounge, designed by Zebra

Inspired by the city’s historic nickname “The City of Spires”, Zebra's design integrates references to medieval and Renaissance silhouettes, like the iconic copper-clad spires found across the skyline, and the modern Scandinavian ethos, coupled with an international perspective that defines the Danish capital...
2026

The Moodie Davitt Report features Aspire Executive Lounge, designed by Zebra

Zebra has designed a transformative new lounge at Copenhagen Airport. Commissioned by Aspire Executive Lounge (Aspire) and launched in December 2025, the lounge reimagines the passenger experience through a concept deeply rooted in Copenhagen’s architectural and cultural identity...

FF&E Talks with NGC: Luxury retail vs. functionality: Striking the right balance

Now in its third season, the six-part “FF&E Talks with NGC” series continues to spotlight conversations across hospitality, residential, and commercial interiors—connecting design voices who are shaping the future of FF&E in the Middle East and beyond
2025

NLA London- Five minutes with Mark Mason

5 minutes with Mark Mason, interviewed by David Taylor for the NLA.

2025

Design Week- What is the design hill you would die on?

We asked a range of designers to share their most deeply-held design belief, and their responses ranged from designing feelings to embracing mistakes.
2025

Restaurant Development and Design- Mexican Sugar

Based in suburban Dallas, Texas, FB Society specialises in elevated dining experiences, built around strong concepts.
2025

Design Week – Design firms step up as Saudi beauty industry booms

The country's changing social landscape is creating brand and retail work for UK firms, who need to balance local and international influences.

Zebra takes local design cues for global Shake Shack growth

The interior design agency is rolling out new restaurants inspired by specific locations as the burger chain booms.

Design Week – How Zebra simplified the Whittards shopping experience

Whittard of Chelsea is trialling a concept by Zebra at a new store on London’s Oxford Street. The 137-year-old tea, coffee and hot chocolate company has 40-plus UK stores. Its overseas outlets include the Middle East and Asia, with Zebra designing some of these over many years. Zebra were tasked to come up with a concept that would attract more customers and increase sales.

Design Insider – The Heritage and Futurism of Design

As part of London Design Festival, Creative Director, Lee Roberts took part in a panel discussion exploring 'The Heritage and Futurism of Design.'⁣ ⁣ The panel explored the dynamic crossroads between heritage and futurism in design, looking at how both traditional influences and innovative technologies shape the field.⁣
2024

Transform Awards North America: The Shortlist

We are proud to announce that Jack's Bar & Grill, located in DXB airport has been shortlisted at the prestigious Transform Awards North America 2024, within the Best Brand Experience category.

2024

Revealed the CID Awards 2024 Mena Shortlist

We are proud to announce that our design of Rove Home, Marasi Drive, has been shortlisted under the Design Concept: Residential category at the upcoming CID MENA Awards 2024.
2024

Architecture Magazine: Sits down with Lee Roberts, Creative Director at Zebra

Lee Roberts, Creative Director at Zebra on being consistent and delivering quality design no matter the size of the project. Skip to page 39 to read.

2024

Interior Design Architecture Summit 2024

When asked about the characteristics of Gen Z, the group had some fantastic observations, “They crave experience and are less bothered about material things, and more interested in creating experiences” suggested Helen El Mettouri from zebra.

2024

Inside Rove Home Marasi Drive

In conversation with CID, Milica Jevtovic, associate director at Zebra, delves into the project’s design, the brand guidelines when designing a ‘branded’ residence of sorts and how it differs from traditional hospitality design.
2024

UAE’s Industry Insiders on Design Events Around the World

Design festivals, trade shows, and events fuel the design industry and pull professionals to cities across the globe, but where do you need to be, and what do you need to experience to make the most of these opportunities?
2024

INISIO at Kierland breaks ground on 29 million renovation.

“INISIO sets itself apart with a vibrant community atmosphere and a wealth of amenities, from the expansive fitness center to inviting communal spaces,” said Pascal
2024

Unveiling Interior Designs 2024 Hospitality Giants

2023 marked a year of very strong recovery for the Giants in general, with almost all metrics surpassing the 2019 levels: Zebra have moved up the rankings to Number 11.
2024

Trend Report: Clerkenwell Design Week 2024

Every year, we relish Clerkenwell in the May sunshine, and while the rain this year undoubtedly had an impact, the people, products, and discussions still shone brightly.
2024

Pop art: Temporary store are not just about incremental retail sales

''Pop-ups allow brands to push the envelope on their creative expression- Lee Roberts Zebra''

2024

Trends in hotel design in the Middle East

Based in the UAE office of interior design and architecture firm Zebra, Milica Jevtovic, shares some of her insights into the current hotel design trends in the Middle East…
2024

P.F. Chang’s looks to 100 UK sites in long term

The US-founded Asian fusion concept will reopen its UK site in Leicester Square this month, with plans to open up to 20 restaurants over the next decade, Zaf Holdings CEO and master franchisee Arif Jivraj tells MCA.
2024

Every shortlist for the CID Awards 2024: Hospitality revealed

Our design for Senor Picos Bahrain, has been shortlisted under the Best F&B Concept Design: Casual at this years CID Awards 2024: Hospitality.

2024

Restaurant Bar Designs- 10 Bold & Beautiful Examples

Thiptara Restaurant Bar at the Palace Hotel in Downtown Dubai showcases a tactile environment, curated by layers of traditional architecture and luxury.
2024

Mark Mason reflects on his 25+ years in retail.

Our CEO Mark Mason, in conversation with FX Magazine reflecting on his 25+ years in retail. Read Mark’s insights on the closely related issues of clients and retail design, as well as the influence of hospitality, lifestyle, sustainability and speed.
2024

Design Insider is pleased to share an interview with Sandra Ruiz De Azua, Director at Zebra

With over 15 years of experience in commercial interiors and a dedication to sustainable design, Sandra leads Zebra’s sustainability strategies, striving to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing social impact.
2024

Night Vision

''Having worked in Dubai for nearly a decade during my career with Zebra, I can honestly say from personal experience how much lighting defines a place.''- Lee Roberts, Zebra, Page 52
2024

Global Design studio Zebra release a limited-edition volume exporting the evolution of commercial architecture and design

Zebra, a leading commercial interior design and architecture studio with offices worldwide, is proud to announce the launch of Design that Connects.
2024

Connecting Spaces and Cultures

Celebrating 25 years of zebras design innovation, zebra is proud to announce the launch of Design that Connects.
2024

5 restaurants in mumbai with exquisitely designed interiors

These stunning new restaurants including P.F. Chang's Mumbai, are celebrated not just for their distinctive aesthetics but also for their exceptional culinary offerings.
2024

P.F. Chang’s arrives in India at Mumbai’s Lower Parel

An inside look at the American brand’s first foray into India. My memories of P.F. Chang’s in the US are of sitting under a cascade of cherry blossoms in a plush upholstered booth. This week, I had a sense of déjà vu as I walked into India’s first P.F.
2024

Shortlist Reveals for the Saudi CID Awards 2024

Shady Wanis shortlisted for the Editor's Choice: Inspirational Leader at the Saudi CID Awards 2024.

2024

From Passion to Impact

Starting off 2024, we introduce 10 inspiration ecopreneurs whose dedication and purpose shape a sustainable future. Join us in discovering their entrepreneurial impact!

2024

Trend analysis: Bathrooms go bold

Colour and creativity are paving the way for washrooms with wow-factor, and the ongoing renovation at Dubai Mall is the ultimate blueprint

2024

Thiptara Unveiled

In its entirety, the revamped Thiptara offers a beautiful immersive dining experience, seamlessly blending traditional architecture, authentic materials and playful design elements to cultivate a serene, refined and intimate ambiance.

2023

For all its Flaws, COP28 still gives us a route to a greener future

Sandra Ruiz de Azua Associate Director /Sustainability Lead at Zebra, was impressed with the contents of the second Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change involving Ministers of Housing, Urban Development, Environment and Finance.
2023

Winners revealed for the BIID interior design awards 2023

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) has revealed the full list of winners from the BIID Awards 2023 including Zebra.
2023

Brown-Forman and Emirates Leisure Retail unveil revamped Jack’s Bar & Grill

Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI Group Chief Executive Officer Tyrone Reid said: “Jack’s Bar & Grill is not just a restaurant but a fully integrated blended retail experience, combining a restaurant, bar and merchandising concept.''
2023

Zebra design Neoms permanent immersive wellbeing hub in Bicester Village.

Zebra, leading retail designers, have worked meticulously with Jungle Fit-out Collective to create a space that embodies NEOM’s ethos of sustainability and holistic wellness.
2023

Zebra Design NEOM’s Permanent, Immersive Wellbeing Hub in Bicester Village

Zebra took inspiration from the distinctive colours found within NEOM’s product line and have seamlessly integrated these four hues into the design of our store layout.

2023

Vero capital launches INISIO at Kierland.

“It was important that the re-design and re-brand of the property focuses on the energy, wellness, and connectivity that is so important when it comes to attracting today’s modern workforce,”

2023

CID Awards 2023: Hospitality Winners Celebrate

Zebra was delighted to accept the award for the Best Outdoor Restaurant & Bar Design for our design of Thiptara, Downtown Dubai.
2023

Rove announces its first branded residences project in Dubai

Rove Hotels has announced its first residential concept, Rove Home, located in Business Bay. The project features 348 fully-furnished studios, one and two-bedroom apartments designed by Zebra!

2023

Rove Hotels announces branded residences project in Dubai

UAE-based Rove Hotels has confirmed that it will bring its residential concept, Rove Home, to Dubai.
2023

Every shortlist revealed for first-ever CID Awards: Hospitality

The shortlists for the first-ever Commercial Interior Design Awards: Hospitality revealed! Zebra is shortlisted in 3 categories!

2023

Shake Shack is opening a location at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood

Shake Shack, the popular New York City-based burger chain, is opening a location at 18800 Alderwood Mall Parkway in Lynnwood.

2022

Paris Baguette Unveils Brand Redesign

Paris Baguette, the neighborhood bakery café where communities come together over their expertly crafted baked and brewed goods, announced today a comprehensive brand redesign.

2022

Time Out Feature – Issue 28

Solus Ceramics quarterly magazine featuring TimeOut Market. Handmade Terracotta provides a sense of place at Time Out Market Dubai
2022

Shortlist Revealed: Design Middle East Awards 2022

The Design Middle East Awards seek to recognise individual excellence, company strengths, and project success. Zebra has been shortlisted for 8 awards.

2022

13 Restaurant Designs Disrupting the Fast-Food Industry

Here are 13 restaurants that have rolled out new designs intended to capture the long-term trajectory of the restaurant consumer.

2022

Shake Shake to Open in the Bahamas

Shake Shack Inc. is heading to the Caribbean, with plans to open at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas in 2023.
2022

A New Experience at P. F. Chang’s

“At the end of the day, people love an experience,” says Jereme Clymer, vice president of creative and design for P.F. Chang’s. “Especially with a lot of the data coming out, Millennials and even younger generations would rather pay for an experience versus paying for stuff.”
2021

Design firm Zebra gives a refreshing twist to casual dining concept Jones Social

Jones Social is an ode to food inspired by wanderlust, open-fire cooking and a desire to share good food in a vibrant, travel-inspired setting. The eclectic interiors by design firm Zebra are amazing and refreshing.
2021

Time Out Market Dubai, The City’s Most Anticipated New Opening!

Time Out Market, the world’s first editorially curated Market, comes to Dubai with its unique design inspired by nature, local architecture and the guest experience front-of-mind.
2021

14 Glimpses Into the Fast-Food Restaurant of the Future | QSR magazine

Here are some restaurants of the futuremodels to come out of the pandemic so far. Including Shake Shack's first ever drive-thru in Orlando.

2020

Shake Shack’s Curbside Footprint Expands | QSR magazine

The fast casual is rapidly bringing the option to stores nationwide.
2020

Welcome to the Shake Shack of the Future | QSR magazine

From drive thrus to pickup windows to curbside, the fast casual is shifting fast.